Dental X-Rays in Long Beach

Dental x-rays are a standard part of a thorough dental exam, and they do something a visual inspection simply cannot: they show what's happening inside and between teeth, below the gumline, and within the surrounding bone. At Spring St. Dentistry in Long Beach, Dr. Anthony Hoang uses x-rays as part of customized dental hygiene plans so that every patient's care is based on a complete picture — not just what's visible on the surface.

If you have questions about x-rays or what to expect at your visit, you're welcome to call the office at (562) 420-8578.

What Dental X-Rays Actually Show

X-rays reveal information that can't be gathered any other way during a dental exam. Some of the most common things they detect include:

• **Decay between teeth** — cavities that form in contact points where two teeth touch are invisible without an x-ray
• **Bone loss** — changes in bone height around teeth can indicate gum disease progression
• **Root problems** — infections, abscesses, or unusual root shapes that affect treatment planning
• **Impacted or unerupted teeth** — especially relevant for wisdom teeth or developing teeth in younger patients
• **Existing restorations** — checking whether older fillings, crowns, or other work is holding up over time

Catching these issues early, before symptoms appear, typically means simpler and less costly treatment down the road.

Types of X-Rays Used in a Dental Office

Different x-rays serve different purposes, and the type recommended for you depends on what Dr. Hoang is looking for.

**Bitewing x-rays** are the most common at routine checkups. They show the upper and lower back teeth in a single image and are particularly useful for spotting decay between teeth and checking bone levels.

**Periapical x-rays** capture the full length of one or two specific teeth, from crown to root tip, and are often used when there's a concern about a particular tooth.

**Panoramic x-rays** show the entire mouth — all teeth, both jaws, the sinuses, and the jaw joints — in one wide image. These are useful for a broad overview, often taken when a patient is new to the practice or when planning certain treatments.

What to Expect During an X-Ray Appointment

For most patients, getting x-rays is quick and straightforward. You'll be seated in the dental chair, and a small sensor or film will be positioned in your mouth — sometimes with a bite tab to hold it in place. You'll be asked to hold still for a second or two while the image is captured. A lead apron is placed over your chest and lap during the process.

A standard set of bitewing x-rays typically takes just a few minutes. Panoramic x-rays involve a machine that rotates around the outside of your head and take about 15–20 seconds to capture.

Modern digital x-rays, which most contemporary practices use, produce images almost instantly and use significantly less radiation than older film-based systems.

How Often X-Rays Are Recommended

There's no single universal schedule that applies to every patient. How often x-rays are recommended depends on your individual risk factors — things like your history of cavities, gum health, age, and how long it's been since your last set of images.

For many adults with a stable oral health history, bitewing x-rays are recommended once a year at a routine checkup. Patients with a higher risk of decay or active gum disease may need them more frequently. Patients in Long Beach who are new to Spring St. Dentistry may have a fuller set taken at their first visit to establish a baseline.

---

Frequently Asked Questions

**Are dental x-rays safe?** Yes. Modern digital x-rays use very low levels of radiation — lower than what you'd be exposed to on a short airplane flight. A lead apron is used during the procedure as a standard precaution.

**Do I need x-rays at every cleaning?** Not necessarily. The frequency depends on your individual oral health history and risk factors. Dr. Hoang will recommend a schedule based on your specific situation rather than applying a one-size-fits-all approach.

**Can I skip x-rays if I'm not having any problems?** Many dental issues — including cavities between teeth and early bone loss — don't cause noticeable symptoms until they've progressed. X-rays are how those problems get caught early, which is why they're a routine part of exams even when nothing feels wrong.

**What if I'm pregnant?** Routine x-rays are generally deferred during pregnancy when possible, but if there's an urgent dental concern, x-rays can still be taken with proper shielding. Let the team know if you're pregnant or think you might be.

**How long does it take to get x-ray results?** With digital x-rays, images appear on screen within seconds. Dr. Hoang can review them with you during the same appointment.